EYE care specialists in Worcestershire have been nominated for a national award following high patient praise.

The county ophthalmology team has been nominated for an award following praise from patients over the way they treat macular disease.

Jag Gandhi, consultant ophthalmic surgeon at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, and the trust’s ophthalmic team are in the running for the clinical service of the year award as part of the Macular Disease Society 25th Anniversary Awards for Excellence.

Age-related macular degeneration affects the central vision and is the most common cause of sight loss in the UK.

There are many other forms of macular disease, including juvenile macular dystrophies.

Mr Gandhi said: “Our team in Worcestershire is deeply honoured to receive a nomination for this national award.

“We believe that kindness is never out of fashion.”

Marjorie Stapleton, a patient who nominated the team, said: “As a long-standing eye patient, I have never before encountered such a totally dedicated, selfless, kind and conscientious clinician as Mr Gandhi.

“His macular patients are mainly elderly but he always takes the time to explain things thoroughly in a simple and understandable way without being patronising.”

Mr Gandhi and his team’s nomination will now be handed over to the judges, who will decide on the overall winners and present them with their awards at the society’s annual London conference on Saturday, September 22.

Helen Jackman, chief executive of the Macular Disease Society, said: “Jag Gandhi and the eye clinic team in Worcestershire do an incredible job and we are delighted they have been recognised for their excellent work.”